The Midwest's Premier Klezmer Band Since 1983
If you want to know more about our education and outreach activities, visit our not for profit organization at klezmermusicfoundation.org.
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outreach work, please donate here:
Shelley Yoelin
Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer
Shelley Yoelin (clarinet, tenor saxophone, flute) is one of the original founding members of the band, and has been playing with Maxwell Street since 1983. He also produced the band's 5th album (Eight Nights of Joy), and is currently producing the band's upcoming 6th album, which features tracks from Maxwell Street's 40th Anniversary Concert in 2023.
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When did you join the band?
I joined the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band in 1983, the year that it began, and wrote the band’s first arrangements. The Klezmer music revival had started just a few years earlier on the East and West Coasts. Fiddler on the Roof, which portrayed the shtetl in a warm, nostalgic light, was one of the things that inspired the klezmer revival, as well as curiosity about this enthralling music, and renewed interest by American Jews in their Eastern European heritage.
When did you join the band?
I joined the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band in 1983, the year that it began, and wrote the band’s first arrangements. The Klezmer music revival had started just a few years earlier on the East and West Coasts. Fiddler on the Roof, which portrayed the shtetl in a warm, nostalgic light, was one of the things that inspired the klezmer revival, as well as curiosity about this enthralling music, and renewed interest by American Jews in their Eastern European heritage.
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What's your musical background, and what brought you klezmer and Yiddish music?
My musical background includes a Bachelor’s degree in music from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree from VanderCook College of Music. I taught music for 36 years, mostly at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois, where I was the Chair of the Fine Arts department.
I had heard the first recording of the Klezmorim, a California group and one of the first klezmer revival bands, and recognized that I was familiar with the music. I had played Klezmer music at my Bar Mitzvah party (before it was called “Klezmer music”). My parents played and sang many of the songs that are in Maxwell Street’s repertoire. The music was in my ear and felt like home!
I enjoy playing in Maxwell Street for a number of reasons. The music is very infectious, and the clarinet parts are very challenging.
But the main reason is that Lori Lippitz, the founder and leader, has created an ensemble, filled with love and respect as well as high-quality musicians.
This ensemble feels like family!
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What is something about you that people may not know?
People may not know that I am an avid golfer and spend the winter months in Palm Springs, California.
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​What do you enjoy about life cycle events?
Playing music for Weddings and Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties is very special to me and the band. Sharing the joyous music we provide creates the most beautiful party atmosphere. We create a memory to last a lifetime.
​Are there a few highlights or funny moments from performances with Maxwell Street Klezmer Band that you'd like to share?
The funny thing about Maxwell Street Klezmer Band is that we have "sax and violins!" LOL!